Writes that his father passed away the day before, stating that he was calm & resigned, and died in full faith of perfect happiness in the world of spirits - this was a great consolation to my honored mother & to his Children & friends around him - my aged mother is very much afflicted, and cannot reconcile the separation they having live'd together fifty eight years last month, and but very little apart during that period - Goes on to discuss matters regarding the raising of troops and a possible appointment in the military, though he states but why do I mention QMG [Quarter Master General] - I am not anxious to be a soldier at my time of life... Also discusses the will of his late father and how the estate is to be divided.

Discusses appointments by the state legislature, which is currently in session, and a recent speech given by the President (George Washington). Notes Speaker Eustis (likely referring to William Eustis who was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from 1788 to 1794) and others are well acquainted with the petition and will meet it. Writes that his father's health is no longer as it was and that he will not last much longer. States that he is 83 years of age; and my good mother is 82 she appears to be as well as I have known her this twenty years, they have lived together near 60 years in such cases one seldom out lives the other any considerable time.

Writes to inform Jackson that his father, Henry Knox, has died. Relates that Knox swallowed a chicken bone and could not recover. Stresses how miserable his family is because of the death.

Thanks Knox for his letter of condolence on account of his father's death. Discusses Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton's plan for the federal government to assume state debts. Writes, [t]he nonassumption of the State Debt has thrown the people into the greatest confusion, and will be the means of weakening the Federal government more than any other measure they could have persued... Believes that unless this measure is obtained in the present session of Congress, very serious consequences will take place... Mentions a number of public creditors had a meeting on Thursday, and will meet again on Tuesday, to hear a report from the Committee. Also mentions the theft of goods from the customs house. Says the goods were found in a barn on the north side of the town and that evidence was found on a ship in harbor and linked to the captain's son; says both Ship & Goods are believed to be condemned.

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living, Jackson reports, for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last. Bowdoin is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large. Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, Boston, saying that Knox will not regret buying the horse. Lists items he is sending to Knox with Captain Barnard including cranberries for Mrs. Knox. Jackson remarks that he has heard nothing further respecting the Fish, and I think it will not do for me to make the first advances on that head.

Discusses a dispute between mutual friends Mr. Tracy and Mr. Gibbs. Reports attending the funeral of Miss Abigail Otis, daughter of Mr. S[amuel] A[llyne] Otis, Massachusetts politician and Secretary of the U.S. Senate. Miss Otis was a lovely young girl of sixteen who died of consumption. Provides news of other illnesses in his family, including the imminent passing of his father. Reports that his mother is in good spirits considering the illness of his father, and that they have passed nearly sixty years together.